albuterol (salbutamol) solution - inhalation, Proventil, Ventolin
GENERIC NAME: ALBUTEROL (SALBUTAMOL) - ORAL (al-BUE-ter-ol)(sal-BUE-tah-mol)
BRAND NAME(S): Proventil
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects |
Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes |
Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Albuterol (also known as salbutamol) is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works in the airways by opening breathing passages and relaxing muscles. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually 3 or 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently than prescribed. Adults and children older than 12 years should not take more than 32 milligrams a day. Children aged 6 to12 years should not take more than 24 milligrams a day.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.This medication does not work immediately and should not be used for sudden attacks of breathing trouble. Your doctor may prescribe a quick-relief inhaler for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks while you are taking this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.If you use other asthma drugs (including inhaled medications), ask your doctor about how to properly take this medication with your other asthma medicines.If this medication stops working well or your breathing symptoms become worse, seek immediate medical attention.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nervousness, shaking (tremor), headache, trouble sleeping, dizziness, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding heartbeat, muscle cramps/weakness.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, irregular heartbeat.Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you experience sudden wheezing, seek immediate medical attention.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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